Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif, has said that India’s reckless escalation was met with a mature, calculated, and forceful response by Pakistan, exposing New Delhi’s false narrative and reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace and regional stability.
In an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya, the military spokesperson underscored that any understanding of current Pakistan-India tensions must begin with acknowledging the consistent role India plays in destabilizing the region. “India is actively sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan—whether through its support of violent extremists or separatist groups operating in Balochistan,” he said.
He noted that following the Pulwama incident, Indian media and social platforms launched an immediate propaganda campaign blaming Pakistan, despite their own Ministry of External Affairs conceding two days later that the investigation was still ongoing. “Is it wise or responsible to cast accusations without evidence or inquiry?” he asked.
Lieutenant General Sharif said that Pakistan took a principled and transparent position: if India had credible evidence, it should be presented to an impartial international forum. “We declared our willingness to cooperate—but India rejected this logical offer and instead launched unprovoked missile strikes on our territory, targeting mosques and causing the martyrdom of innocent children, women, and elderly civilians.”
He firmly stated that the Pakistan Armed Forces, entrusted with the sacred duty of defending the nation’s sovereignty, fulfilled that duty resolutely. “On the night of May 6 and 7, India initiated missile attacks. In response, Pakistan’s Air Force brought down five Indian fighter jets. Our armed forces and the nation stood together like an iron wall.”
He further revealed that India launched additional missile strikes on the nights of May 9 and 10. “India seemed to forget that the Pakistani nation and its armed forces neither surrender nor can be forced into submission,” he remarked.
On the morning of May 10, Pakistan responded decisively and responsibly, targeting only Indian military assets with precision. “Not a single civilian site was harmed. It was a proportionate, just, and mature military response,” he stressed.
Following this calibrated retaliation, India’s own Ministry of Defence publicly requested a ceasefire. “We desire peace and regional stability,” the DG ISPR said. “And our response was simple: Why not?”
He praised Pakistan’s diplomatic corps for their exceptional performance, stating that they engaged the international community with clarity and wisdom, effectively conveying Pakistan’s principled stance. “Our approach was measured, responsible, and rooted in our unwavering commitment to peace.”
“We are not a belligerent nation,” he concluded. “We are a serious, sovereign, and peace-loving country. Our priority is peace—but we will never compromise on our dignity or national security.”
He added that major global powers, including the United States, now better understand the depth of the Pakistani people’s resolve and the justness of Pakistan’s position.
